Pre-Authorization

A pre-authorization enables you to authorize a payment when the final amount is unknown. The funds are placed on hold until you request a follow-up transaction. Pre-authorizations are typically used for lodging, auto rental, e-commerce, and restaurant transactions.

For a pre-authorization:

The authorization amount must be greater than zero.
The authorization must be submitted for capture within 30 calendar days of its request.
When you do not capture the authorization, you must reverse it.
In the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, Mastercard charges an additional fee for a pre-authorization that is not captured and not reversed.
In Europe, Russia, Middle East, and Africa, Mastercard charges fees for all pre-authorizations.
Chargeback protection is in effect for 30 days after the authorization.